Unique Polynesian Tattoos, View Maori Tribal Tattoo Gallery

Maori are the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand whose ancestors were migrants from the Eastern Polynesia between AD800 to 1300. Carrying with them to the new land was the rich Polynesian cultures as well as the unique Maori tribal tattoo arts.

Ta moko, referred to tattoos in Maori language, were traditional tattoo lines carved on the face and other parts of the body using a sharp or a serrated bone chisel from the sea bird. Although the tattooing process was extremely terrifying, painful and long, it was a sacred event. Tattooing was usually accompanied by traditional flute music performance and poems chanting in order to help the bearers eased the pain while their bodies were being chiseled with lines and curved patterns. Due to extensive pain induced by any body movement, the bearers would not be able to eat any solid food until the wounds on the face were recovered.